News / History

2009 February
Hide - technical meeting.

2009 February
We are taking part in "HIDE Policy Forum on Outsourcing of Systems for Detection, Identification, and Authentication" that is part of HIDE project

2009 February
The development of a pulser&receiver for ultrasonic use (with 30kHz-25MHz bandwidth), integrated pulser (max 350V) controlled amplifier and switched bandpass filters is finished.

2009 February
University in Bydgoszcz receives from us new ultrasonic scanner with ultrasonic positioning unit (A-Scan, B-Scan and C-Scan in 2D i 3D)

2009 January 
We continue to work on projects for Sealed Air and Kraft

2009 January 
The work on the ultrasonic tomography system for humidity distribution in solid materials.

2009 January 
PC controlled burst generator (UG SG) is created - for exiting ultrasonic transducers with output frequencies from 500Hz to 500kHz in 4 channel version, with the possibility to increase the number of channels.

2008 December
In the ranking of most innovative polish firms (organized and published by the newspaper "Rzeczpospolita" and BRE Bank) Optel has improved its position in comparison to the previous year and takes now 18th position in Poland in the category "small enterprises". Even more gratifying is the fact, that we have 11 position in the category "product innovations".

2008 December
We are installing 3 further systems for measurement of plastic pipes during production.

2008 December
For Wittenstein AG we are installing two special made systems for controlling the quality of electronic beam welded toothed wheels: one system with 7 dry contact heads with circular transducer movement, one system for immersion testing.

2008 November
New versions of power ultrasonic generator UG SA with sweep function are created.

2008 October
We are developing new versions of OPBOX - with external trigger and burst generator.

2008 September 
Kick Off meeting of Railect project

2008 September
We are changing our web presence, add new information. We are sorry for eventually occurring problems

2008 September
Begin of a new EU FP7 project - Wintur

2008 August
We start the development of an ultrasonic system for the measurement of moisture distribution in porous construction materials. The system will be based on ultrasonic tomography.

2008 August
A new complex industrial project is started, having the goal to measure the gap between two metal sheets.

2008 August
After years we are coming back to the work on our ultrasonic fingerprint recognition, recognizing living and true fingers - with new ideas, new technique and actual demand for this technology.

2008 July
For our new customer from India we are preparing a complex system (with 16 channels) for the measurement of steel pipes during production.

2008 July
New R&D project for Sealed Air is started.

2008 July
New system for plastic pipe measurement is installed in India.

2008 July
Based on many years experience and confidence of our German customers - using our power ultrasound generators - we are starting to develop a new version of this generator. Our plan is to make a generator with up to 4kW for classical types of use: ultrasonic cleaning, welding, etc.)

2008 July
We develop a cavitation meter, that can be used in ultrasonic fields causing cavitation.

2008 July
U-top is created. We are staring the production of our portable, pc - based ultrasonic flaw detector.

2008 July
The first stage of the project with the goal to create the detector of boiling process is finished. Working prototype is created. Patent in preparation.

2008 June
In 2007 Optel has reached good 81 position in national ranking of most innovative enterprises. In Lower Silesia we have achieved third position. 3000 enterprises was valued in this project, among them large companies, but also small and medium enterprises. It was prepared by the Economy Institut of Polish Academy of Sciences, BRE Bank and daily newspaper "Gazeta Prawna".

2008 June
The first version of the device for measurement of thickness and position, based on air ultrasound is created.

2008 June
RiserTest project is finished with significant success. Measuring system is created. Deep sea tests in Norway accomplished.

2008 June
New EU FP7 project is started - Railect.

2008 June
New systems for plastic pipe measurement are created . With 16 and 32 channels . This time with our own measuring head project, that allows measurements in a wide spectrum of pipe diameters.

2008 May
For the University of Bydgoszcz a new generator for the measurement of light diffraction of sound waves is made.

2008 May
New ultrasonic scanner are created - with a,b, c, 2D and 3D scans and phase contrast.

2008 May
The work on the 2D acoustic positioning system for use in our scanners and precision higher than 1 micrometer is created.

2008 May
We are starting the manufacturing of new multiplexers with 4, 8, 16 and 32 channels.

2008 May
We are starting the project with the goal to create a complex system for flaw detection in electron beam welded transmission toothed wheels.

2008 May
New generation of step motor controllers for the use with ultrasonic scanners is created.

2008 May
We add a sweep function to our power ultrasound generators.

2008 May
Acoustic amplifier for Grecon is finished and delivered.

2008 April
As a part of RiserTest project, so called "ultrasonic antenna" is created.

2008 April
University of Poznan gets our scanner for measurement of fluid parameters in strong magnetic fields.

2008 April
The development of new versions of our ultrasonic card with PCI Express, PCI and PC 104 interface is started.

2008 March
Further Systems for plastic pipes measurement during production are installed.

2008 March
The first version of the device for the measurement of coated foils is transferred to the customer. It should measure the quality of the coating and its adhesion.

2008 March
Our first handheld device for ultrasonic testing, based on PC mainboard is developed. We are planning to start the marketing of this device in the first half of the year.

2008 March
We finish the work on a special 2 axis laboratory ultrasonic scanner for Politechnika Lubelska, equipped with ultrasonic positioning unit.

2008 March
A special 3 axis laboratory ultrasonic scanner for University in Bydgoszcz will be ready – with ultrasonic positioning unit and phase contrast.

2008 March
A system for contact less thickness measurement is ready (ultrasonic caliper).

2008 March
A system for measurement of magnetic fluids in strong magnetic fields (special scanner) is ready and transferred to the University of Poznan. 

2008 March
For our German partner – Fraunhofer IWU (Chemnitz) and for two polish customers a series of new Ultrasonic Power Generators with integrated analyser is prepared. A series of this devices is build.

2008 February
We are starting the work on the project „boiling point detector”.

2008 February
We are working on the acoustic amplifier, that will be used by our german partenr for the measurement of very weak acoustic signals.

2008 February
The production of our OPBOX – ultrasonic test device with USB 2.0 Interface begins.

2008 February
Within the EU FP7 framework the project HIDE is initiated (Homeland Security, Biometric Identification & Personal Detection Ethics, Grant agreement: 217762 – continuation of BITE). Kick off meeting takes place at 15th February in Roma.

2008 February
EU (within the 7FP) accepts the financing of the project Railect (Development of an ultrasonic technique, sensors and systems for the volumetric examination of alumino-thermic rail welds). We are the partner in this project. The coordinator is TWI (UK).

2008 February
The project TareIt (6FP) ends officially.

2008 February
Project RaiserTest is prolongated 6 months. We have build for this project a special ultrasonic multiplexer with software controlled delay between the channels, that should be the basis for the „ultrasonic antenna”.

2007 November
After 14 years of work in Otwarta street, Optel has moved to a new location in Morelowski street. Our new address is now: ul. Morelowskiego 30, 52-429 Wroclaw.

2007 October
We are presenting our system for pipe measurement on the exhibition stand of our German partner on the K2007 17th international Trade Fair Plastics and Rubber  in Duesseldorf. You can find us on the stand E46 in the Hall 4 (24-31.10.2007)

2007 September
We deliver to the Physical Faculty of University in Poznan the first part of a system for measurement of acoustical parameters of magnetic fluids

2007 September
We deliver to the Technical University in Gliwice a system for the measurement of acoustical parameters of metals in higher temeperatures.

2007 September
A new version of our acoustic system for vibration measurement is created. This time it is 4 channel device, based on pulse analysis.

2007 September
OPTEL is invited to take part - as an expert for biometric technology - in HIDE project, a successor of the very successful BITE project in 7th EU FP.

2007 September
TWI The Welding Institute from Cambridge invites us to take part in many R&D projects, that can be started in the 7th EU FP.

2007 September
We begin the work on the new version of our ultrasonic testing card with PCI express interface.

2007 September
We have finished the project "Transmission of information using sound waves traveling in walls of metal pipes on long distances". 

2007 August
New system for plastic pipes measurement during production is installed at WEFA Plastic factory. 

2007 
New version of our ultrasonic testing board with PCI interface is introduced, together with ultrasonic testing box with USB 2.0 interface. 

2007 June
We are taking part in the event, organized on the occasion of 10 years of existence of Polish-German Industry and Trade Chamber, reporting about 10 years of our cooperation.

2007
We are taking active part in our EU projects RISER Test, Tare It, Bite.
Many technical meetings, investigations are made, reports prepared, etc.

2007
Power generator for ultrasonic therapy is created, together with a series of heads for this device. Generator is equipped with impedance measurement, allowing to control, if there is a proper contact with the skin.

2007
Our long cooperation with AIF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Industrieller Forschungsvereinigungen ) - Cooperation Office in Warsaw has brought positive results: we have started two new projects with German partners: Ultrasonic device for the measurement of layer thickness and the quality of junction of layers on paper and foils. Holographic ultrasonic device for detecting foreign bodies in pieces of laundry in industrial laundries.

2007
Based on the success of our system for ultrasonic supported drilling process Fraunhofer IWU from Chemnitz continues to be our partner and we are starting new projects.

2007
We are proposing the realization of a new system of controlling large amount of spot welds on steel sheets with small thickness (0.4mm). We create for this device a multiplexer with 1344 send&receive channels.

2006 November
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Privacy Office and US-VISIT invites us to take part in the "International Conference on Biometrics and Ethics", Washington DC USA 

2006 November
Polish Contact Point for EU Research Programs appoints OPTEL in CATEGORY OF THE BEST SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE ENTERPRISE to the The Crystal Brussels Prize 2006

2006 August
NATO invites us to the conference: IDENTITY, SECURITY AND DEMOCRACYSOCIAL, ETHICAL AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS OFAUTOMATED SYSTEMS FOR HUMAN IDENTIFICATION; JERUSALEM (Israel)

2006
We are taking active part in our EU projects RISER Test, Tare It, Bite.
Many technical meetings, investigations are made, reports prepared, etc.

2006 June
Wroclaw Center for Technology Transfer invites us to present our experience with CRAFT projects during the workshop: "European Funds for Lower Silesia, Preparation for 7th EU FP"

2006
We are preparing larger series of deices for viscosity measurements.

2006 April
As a part of BITE project we are organizing international conference about the future of biometric technologies in Wrocław

2006
The development of the device for the measurement of viscosity and caloric parameters of oils is ready.

2006
New ultrasonic power generators, belonging to UG series are developed, together with high voltage pulser for the use in mining industry.

2006
The project with the goal of creation of new solar collector is started.

2006
Multichannel system for measurement of oil parameters in refinery vessels is created.

2006
We are conducting research on ultrasonic supported cooling process. Solution for industial use is proposed.

2006
Special ultrasonic refractometer for Technical University in Warsaw is created.

2006
We are starting the work on a special ultrasonic scanner with phase contrast.

2005 November
As an expert for biometric techniques we are taking part in the conference: Ethical and Social Implications of Biometric Identification Technology: Towards an International Approach, organized by EU Commission in Brussel.

2005 November
OPTEL is invited to take part in RISER TEST project (Development of a Guided Long Range Ultrasonic Inspection System for the examination of offshore subsea Risers, Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs) and Flowlines) - 6th EU FP.

2005 November
Participation in the BITE conference: THE EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL CONTEXT, organized by HumanScan, Erlangen,

2005 October 
OPTEL is invited to take part in TARE - IT project: A Novel Tare Identification and Corrosion Detection System to Improve Filling Accuracy, Productivity and Safety for SME LPG, Butane & Propane Gas - 6th EU FP.

2005
We are working on the project with goal to establish yield of oil from old oil wells, that are able to deliver only small amount of oil. An innovative solution is proposed.

2005 June
Participation in the BITE conference: BIOMETRICS AND MIGRANTS organized by IOM - International Organization for Migration (UN) Geneva

2005 April
Participation in BITE conference: BIOMETRICS AND PRIVACY organized by: CESAGEN (Centro per la Scienza, la Societa e la Cittadinanza ), Roma, Italy.

2005 January
Participation in the conference: BIOMETRICS AND GENETICS Organized by: The CENTRE FOR THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF GENOMICS (a collaborative centre between Lancaster and Cardiff universities that works with the relevant genomics science whilst attempting to clarify the human (social and economic) factors which shape these natural knowledge) in Lancaster, UK.

2004
Two following systems for testing of gearwheels for the German car factory are installed.

2004 November
OPTEL is invited to take part in BITE project, belonging to the 6th EU FP. 

2003 - 2004
We are proposing and conducting many R&D projects, among others: System for the visualization of internal 3D structure of the heart; Ultrasonic tomography for the measurement of thickness of hardened close to surface layer in half-axis. Liveness detection of fingers in ultrasonic finger recognition devices. Acoustic marks for detection of authenticity of bank notes and other documents. Precise measurement of shape of bones with the help of acoustic holography. Acoustical holography for medical purposes. Local measurement of mechanical properties of materials with a simple acoustic measuring head.

2003
A crawler for testing of thickness of walls of large steel vessels is developed.

2003
We are proposing an innovative ultrasonic mammography device.

2003
We are starting the cooperation with Fraunhofer IWU in Chemnitz, Germany, having the goal to create drilling machine with ultrasonic support. Our first ultrasonic power generators are created.

2002
We are working on following projects: Measurement of thickness of walls of pipes lying on the sea bottom. Fluid parameter measurement. Measurement of alcohol concentration in water. Investigation of the state of old wood pieces with the help of ultrasound. Contactless optical recognition of fingerprints. Ultrasonic control of chemical processes

2002
A device for early recognition of breast cancer is developed.

2002
For the largest German car factory we are developing a series of devices for testing of electron beam welded gear wheels during production. Three of this devices are working since Summer 2002, two following devices are installed 2004.

2001
Our first larger scale product: a system for delamination detection in ply wood plates is created.

2001
We are installing special sonar systems for the measurement of thickness of sediments layers in a water power plant in Taiwan.

2000
Second version of our ultrasonic testing card and ultrasonic testing box with parallel interface is created.

2000
First systems for measurement of plastic pipes during production (extrusion) are created. Until now more than 170 such systems was installed around the world.

1999
First large R&D projects, that has nothing to do with biometric technologies are started. They are made for Music Academy in Warsaw and has the goals to create an ultrasonic device for soft palate investigation and for the measurement of vibration of the scull of singing person. Both projects are financed by the KBN (Polish Science Comitee).

1999.12 - 2000.10
Agnieszka Bicz, as IT expert, takes part in the EU 5th Framework Project, coordinated by Mieczyslaw Pluta.

1999
We are using our experience, collected during the many years of work on biometric project and propose ultrasonic devices and measurement systems.

1998
Our first ultrasonic testing card is created.

1998
First commercial versions of our ultrasonic transducers are created.

 

In the years 1985 to 1997 Optel and its predecessor are working intensively basically only on one project: Development of the holographic ultrasonic device for finger recognition. During this time many papers, describing this development are published. Many patents are registered.

1997
Optel receives acknowledgement of its work on the finger recognition on the Poznan Innovation Fair.

1997
Prototypes and a vision of commercial product for ultrasonic recognition of fingers are ready.

1993
Wiesław Bicz is moving his R&D activity to Wroclaw and takes over OPTEL

1989
OPTEL is established.

1985
Wiesław Bicz - director and owner of OPTEL - begins the work on the biometric project in Frankfurt Main in Germany.